The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dispatched a fact-finding team to Zamfara state to investigate the alleged civilian casualties recorded during military air strikes last weekend.
Earlier, NAF said it had commenced an investigation into reports that more than 16 civilians and vigilantes were accidentally bombed during the operations
The missiles were launched in Tungar Kara, Zurmi LGA of the state.
A statement by Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public relations and information, said Hasan Abubakar, the chief of the air staff (CAS), constituted the team led by Edward Gabkwet, director of coordination and cooperation at NAF’s civil-military relations branch.
Akinboyewa said the CAS tasked the team with “a thorough evaluation of the situation, engaging with local and state officials, along with other key stakeholders, to gather essential information for further action”.
He quoted the air chief as saying that the deployment reflects NAF’s “commitment to professionalism, transparency, and compliance with global standards in its operations”.
“Our absolute value for the life and well-being of every Nigerian remains an integral part of the ethos of the service,” the statement reads.
“As we continue our efforts to eliminate threats to our nation’s peace and security, we are equally mindful of the need to maintain public trust, which is essential to our operational effectiveness.”
Abubakar assured the public that the NAF would fine-tune its operational procedures to ensure mission success while safeguarding civilians and critical infrastructure.
He called on all stakeholders to remain patient and trust the investigative process while reiterating NAF’s dedication to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the country.